Driving recklessly is risky and often against the law, and it puts both drivers and pedestrians in great danger. According to data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an estimated 8,650 deaths in traffic crashes in the first quarter of 2024.

Reckless driving means running a vehicle without caring about safety. This dangerous behaviour can happen in many ways, such as driving too fast, making sudden turns, or driving while confused or impaired. While different places may have different rules about careless driving, the main idea behind it is always the same: it shows that you don’t care about the rules of the road or other people’s safety.

Here are a few examples of what is considered reckless driving to make the roads safer and encourage people to drive responsibly.

Speeding

Speeding makes it harder to respond quickly to changes in traffic, which raises the risk of crashes. You have less control over the car as the speed goes up, which makes it harder to turn or stop in time. Also, a crash at high speeds is much worse and can kill or seriously hurt more people.

Speed limits are set to keep everyone on the road safe. Ignoring these limits not only puts you at risk of receiving fines or points on your license but also endangers everyone around you. By speeding, you set a dangerous example for other drivers and contribute to an overall culture of recklessness on the roads, says motorcycle accident lawyer Brian Van Allen.

Tailgating

Tailgating is a dangerous way to drive that makes rear-end accidents more likely to happen. When you tailgate, you drive too close to the car in front of you, leaving no room to stop safely in case they suddenly stop. On the road, this careless behaviour can lead to crashes, injuries, and even death.

Not only does tailgating reduce your reaction time, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on the driver ahead. This aggressive behaviour can escalate tensions between drivers and create a hostile driving environment. To avoid tailgating, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. A common rule of thumb is the ‘three-second rule,’ where you should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. This simple practice can help prevent accidents and make driving safer for everyone.

Running Red Lights

For you and other people on the road, running red lights is a dangerous driving violation. It’s illegal to ignore a red light when crossing a street where cross traffic has the right of way. People who are properly crossing the street, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, are also in danger when you run a red light.

Apart from the immediate dangers, running red lights can also result in legal penalties such as fines, points on your driver’s license, or even license suspension. Arriving a few seconds late is a small inconvenience compared to the possible consequences of reckless behaviour behind the wheel. Always obey traffic signals and stop when the light turns red.

Aggressive Lane Changes

Making sudden and risky lane changes on the road can put you and other people in danger of crashes. You and the other drivers around you could be in danger if you suddenly swerve from one lane to another without warning or checking your blind spots.

These careless actions frequently catch other drivers off guard, which increases the likelihood of rear-end or sideswiping collisions. When you don’t use your turn signs or cut off other cars, you make the road dangerous and disorganized. When you change lanes quickly while going fast, things can get worse because you have less time to respond to sudden stops or obstacles.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents, with texting being one of the most common culprits. When you take your eyes off the road to read or send a text, you’re essentially driving blind for quite a distance. This greatly reduces your reaction time and ability to avoid hazards on the road.

Similarly, eating while driving may seem harmless, but it diverts your attention away from the task of driving safely. Fumbling with food or drinks can cause spills, take your hands off the wheel, or even drop items that may cause you to become distracted.

Conclusion

These are the most commonly reported causes of motorcycle accidents. These actions not only put the driver at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road. Always drive responsibly and follow traffic laws to keep everyone safe on the road. Remember that it only takes one reckless decision to cause a serious accident. Keep safe.